Bird Watching at Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary is home to over 150 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers. From migratory birds to endemic species, the sanctuary offers an incredible opportunity to see a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, Kalametiya is the perfect place to spot unique bird species.

Birds

Featured Birds

White-bellied Drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens)

A medium-sized bird with striking black plumage and a white belly, the White-bellied Drongo is often found in the trees of Kalametiya, hunting for insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they are perched on trees or in flight.

Jungle Fowl (Gallus lafayettii)

The Jungle Fowl is a colorful bird with bright red and golden plumage. Endemic to Sri Lanka, it is commonly found in forests and scrublands.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they are foraging on the forest floor.

Forest Wagtail (Dendronanthus indicus)

A small, slender bird with a long tail, the Forest Wagtail is often seen in Sri Lanka’s forests and wetlands, where it forages for insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they are hopping around the forest floor.

Peacock (Pavo cristatus)

Known for its stunning display of iridescent feathers, the Peacock is the national bird of Sri Lanka. It is often seen in forests and grasslands, where it feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they forage in open areas.

Tricolored Munia (Lonchura malacca)

The Tricolored Munia has a striking combination of red, white, and black feathers, and it is commonly seen in flocks in Sri Lanka’s wetlands and grasslands.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, when they are most active foraging for seeds.

Ashy Prinia (Prinia socialis)

A small, grayish-brown bird with a long tail, the Ashy Prinia is commonly seen in Sri Lanka’sgrasslands, feeding on insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons in grassy areas or shrubs.

Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata)

A small bird with a distinctive scaly pattern on its breast, the Scaly-breasted Munia is often seen in flocks, feeding on seeds and small fruits in Kalametiya.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they are foraging in open fields or grassy areas.

Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus)

A small, predatory bird with brown plumage and a distinctive black mask across its eyes, the Brown Shrike hunts small insects and lizards.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, particularly in open fields or grasslands.

Black-headed Cuckoo Shrike (Coracina melanoptera)

A medium-sized bird with a dark head and striking black-and-white plumage, the Black-headed Cuckoo Shrike is often found in the canopy of forests in Sri Lanka.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, especially in forest edges.

Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsichore paradisi)

Known for its striking appearance, the Paradise Flycatcher has long, ornate tail feathers and colorful plumage. It is a common sight in Sri Lanka’s forested regions.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings, as it hunts for insects in trees.

Indian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsichore paradisi)

A beautiful bird with long, flowing tail feathers and vibrant plumage, the Indian Paradise Flycatcheris often found in wooded areas, where it feeds on insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, especially in forested areas.

Indian Golden Oriole (Oriolus kundoo)

A vibrant bird with golden-yellow and black plumage, the Indian Golden Oriole is often seen in the treetops of Sri Lanka, feeding on fruits and insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they are most active in trees.

Indian Pygmy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos nanus)

A small woodpecker with brown streaked plumage, the Indian Pygmy Woodpecker is often found in trees, feeding on insects hidden in the bark.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons in forests or woodlands.

Crimson-backed Goldenback (Chrysocolaptes lucidus)

The Crimson-backed Goldenback is a beautiful woodpecker with a vibrant red back and golden-yellow body. It is often seen in Sri Lanka’s forests, drilling into trees in search of insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, particularly when active on trees.

Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops)

A striking bird with a distinctive crown of feathers and a long, curved bill. The Common Hoopoe is often seen in open areas, feeding on insects and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, particularly in open fields or grasslands.

Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)

A small, vibrant barbet with a bright green body and a red crown. The Coppersmith Barbet is often seen in trees, feeding on fruits and insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they are active in the canopy.

Thick-knee (Burhinus oedicnemus)

A large, ground-dwelling bird with long legs and a distinctive thick bill, the Thick-knee is often seen in open fields and grasslands of Sri Lanka, feeding on insects and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings when they are foraging in open areas.

Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus)

A large hornbill with a distinctive black-and-white body and large casque on its bill, the Malabar Pied Hornbill is commonly found in Sri Lanka’s forests.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they are active feeding in trees.

Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis)

A large owl with brown plumage and a distinctive facial disk, the Brown Fish Owl is often found near water, where it hunts fish and other aquatic prey.

Best Time to Spot

Nighttime, when they are most active hunting along water bodies.

Sri Lankan Gray Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis)

Endemic to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Gray Hornbill has gray plumage and a large, striking bill. It is often seen in the forests of Kalametiya, feeding on fruits and insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons in dense forests.

Striated Heron (Butorides striata)

A small heron with greenish plumage and a sharp bill, the Striated Heron is often seen stalking fish in shallow waters and wetlands.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they are hunting along water’s edge.

Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

A small, round bird with brown and streaked plumage. The Common Quail is often found in grasslands, foraging for seeds and insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, especially in grassy areas.

Cinnamon Bittern (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus)

A small, secretive heron with cinnamon-colored plumage, the Cinnamon Bittern is often found in dense vegetation near water.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they emerge to forage in the shallow waters.

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)

A large, elegant heron with striking purple and brown plumage, the Purple Heron is often found in Kalametiya’s wetlands, feeding on fish and amphibians.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, especially in the shallows of wetland areas.

Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)

A slender bird with a long, sharp bill and distinctive snake-like neck, the Oriental Darter is often seen diving for fish in freshwater lakes and wetlands.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they are actively hunting in the water.

Indian Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis)

A large cormorant with a dark, glossy body and a long, slender bill. The Indian Cormorant is commonly found in Kalametiya, diving to catch fish and small aquatic prey.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, when they dive into the water to feed.

Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea)

A large heron with gray plumage and a long, sharp bill, the Gray Heron is often seen in wetlands, standing motionless as it waits to catch fish.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings when they are feeding along the water's edge.

Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)

A large wader with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill, the Spoonbill is often found in shallow wetlands, feeding on small invertebrates and aquatic plants.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, especially in shallow waters.

Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)

A large, striking bird with vibrant purple plumage and a red beak, the Purple Swamphen is often seen in wetlands, where it feeds on plants and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons in marshy areas.

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

A medium-sized heron with a black crown and white body, the Black-crowned Night Heron is often seen near water, where it hunts for fish and small amphibians.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, as they are most active during dawn and dusk.

Pelican (Pelecanus)

A large water bird with a distinctive long bill and a large pouch under its beak, the Pelican is often found near Kalametiya’s lagoons, diving for fish.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they are hunting for fish in the water.

Pheasant-tailed Jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus)

A large wader with striking black and white plumage and a long, distinctive tail. The Pheasant-tailed Jacana is often seen walking on floating vegetation in Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, particularly in wetlands and shallow waters.

Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica)

A small, dark duck with a distinctive whistling call, the Lesser Whistling Duck is often seen in Sri Lanka’s freshwater wetlands, feeding on aquatic plants and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, especially near freshwater areas.

Small Minivet (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus)

A small songbird with bright orange and gray plumage, the Small Minivet is often seen in trees, feeding on insects and fruits.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, particularly in tree canopies.

Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans)

A large stork with a distinctive gap in its bill, the Asian Openbill is commonly found in wetlands, feeding on snails and other invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, especially in shallow wetlands.

Flameback (Chrysocolaptes lucidus)

The Flameback is a striking woodpecker with bright red plumage and a black-and-white body. It is often seen hammering trees in search of insects in Kalametiya.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they are active in the trees.

Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius)

A small bird known for its unique nest-building technique, the Tailorbird sews leaves together to create its nest. It is often found in Kalametiya, feeding on insects and small fruits.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and evenings, when they are feeding in trees and shrubs.

Green Imperial Pigeon (Ducula aenea)

A large pigeon with a striking green body and purple iridescence, the Green Imperial Pigeon is often found in Sri Lanka’s dense forests, feeding on fruits.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, particularly in fruiting trees.

Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis)

A small, bright green bird with a long tail, the Green Bee-eater is often seen hunting insects in the air, especially in open fields and along forest edges.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they are most active in the air.

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti)

A stunning bee-eater with a chestnut-colored head and vibrant green body. It feeds on bees, wasps, and other flying insects, often seen perched on branches.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, hunting for insects in Kalametiya.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus)

A colorful bird with striking blue and green plumage, the Blue-tailed Bee-eater is often found perched on high branches, hunting for flying insects, particularly bees.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they are most active hunting insects.

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)

Known for its black-and-white plumage and distinctive crest, the Pied Kingfisher is often seen hovering above the water before diving to catch fish.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, especially near water bodies.

White-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)

A large kingfisher with a striking blue back and a white belly. The White-breasted Kingfisher is often found perched by water, hunting for fish and small amphibians.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they are actively hunting along the water's edge.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

The Glossy Ibis has iridescent green and purple plumage, and it is often seen in Kalametiya’s wetlands. It feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, particularly in shallow wetland areas.

Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis)

A small, black-and-white songbird, the Oriental Magpie Robin is often found in gardens and forests, feeding on insects. It is also known for its melodious call.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, especially in the early morning when it sings.

Sri Lankan Green Pigeon (Treron pompadora)

Endemic to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Green Pigeon has a beautiful green body with hints of yellow and purple. It feeds on fruits in the canopies of forests and trees.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, particularly in fruiting trees.

Purple Sunbird (Nectarinia asiatica)

A vibrant sunbird, the Purple Sunbird is known for its iridescent plumage, especially in males. It feeds on nectar and is often seen in flowering plants in Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or afternoons when feeding on nectar.

Cotton Pygmy Goose (Nettapus coromandelianus)

A small, beautiful waterfowl with a striking white plumage and a dark greenish head. The Cotton Pygmy Goose is commonly found in Sri Lanka’s freshwater lakes and marshes.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they forage in wetlands.

Garganey (Spatula querquedula)

A small, migratory duck with a distinctive white face and dark brown plumage. The Garganey is found in wetland areas, feeding on aquatic plants, small invertebrates, and seeds.

Best Time to Spot

During migration seasons, early mornings or late evenings near wetland areas.

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

A small, diving water bird with a distinctive blackish head and a sharp bill. The Little Grebe is often seen in Kalametiya’s ponds and lakes, diving for small fish and invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, particularly in calm, shallow waters.

Western Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus)

A large, crow-sized bird with a glossy black plumage and a distinctive red eye. The Western Koel is often heard before it is seen, with its loud, ringing call.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, particularly during the breeding season.

African Comb Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos)

A large, striking duck with a unique comb-like structure on its bill. The African Comb Duck is sometimes seen in Sri Lanka’s wetlands during migration. It feeds on aquatic plants and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

During migration seasons, especially in shallow wetlands or lakes.

Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)

A large, dark bird with a distinctive long tail and red eyes, the Greater Coucal is often found in grasslands and forest edges in Sri Lanka. It feeds on insects, frogs, and small reptiles.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when it is active in dense vegetation.

Asian Palm Swift (Cypsiurus balasiensis)

A small, fast-flying bird with a sleek body and short wings. The Asian Palm Swift is often seen darting through the air, feeding on insects, particularly near palm trees in Kalametiya.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, especially in the late afternoon when they are most active in flight.

Little Swift (Apus affinis)

A small, agile bird with dark plumage, the Little Swift is often seen soaring in the sky, feeding on insects while flying.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they are feeding in flight.

Ruddy-breasted Crake (Porzana fusca)

A small, secretive bird with a distinctive ruddy-colored breast. The Ruddy-breasted Crake is often found in dense reeds and wetland areas, foraging for insects and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons in marshy areas.

Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

A small, black bird with a bright red bill and yellow legs. The Common Moorhen is commonly found in wetlands and marshes, feeding on aquatic plants and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, especially in marshy areas and waterlogged fields.

Common Coot (Fulica atra)

A water bird with a distinctive white frontal shield and black plumage. The Common Coot is often seen swimming in ponds and lakes, diving to forage for aquatic plants.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they are most active foraging for food.

Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis)

A small heron with a golden-yellow plumage and a long, pointed bill. The Yellow Bittern is often seen stalking through the shallow waters of Kalametiya, hunting for small fish and insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons in wetland areas.

Black Bittern (Ixobrychus flavicollis)

A striking, small heron with dark plumage and yellow markings around its neck. The Black Bittern is a secretive bird, often found in dense vegetation near water.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they emerge from dense reeds to feed.

Green-backed Heron (Butorides striata)

A small heron with greenish plumage on its back and a sharp, yellow bill. The Green-backed Heronis commonly found in Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, quietly hunting fish and small amphibians.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings when it is foraging along the water’s edge.

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

A small, white heron with yellowish feathers on its head and neck during the breeding season. The Cattle Egret is often seen following livestock, feeding on insects disturbed by the animals.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, particularly in agricultural fields or near cattle.

Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger)

A small cormorant with glossy black plumage, the Little Cormorant is often seen perched on rocks or trees near water, diving to catch fish.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, when they dive into Kalametiya's lagoons for fish.

Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva)

A medium-sized plover with striking golden and black plumage, the Pacific Golden Plover is often seen migrating through Sri Lanka. It feeds on small invertebrates in mudflats and coastal habitats.

Best Time to Spot

During migration seasons, particularly during early mornings or late afternoons.

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)

A small, active wader with a distinctive black ring around its neck. The Little Ringed Plover is often seen in shallow wetland areas, feeding on insects and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they forage along the water's edge.

Great White Egret (Ardea alba)

A large, elegant heron with all-white plumage and a long, yellow bill. The Great White Egret is often seen standing motionless in shallow water, waiting to catch fish and small amphibians.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, especially near wetlands and lagoons.

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)

A long-legged wader with a distinctive black-and-white plumage and a long, straight bill. The Black-tailed Godwit is often seen in Kalametiya’s mudflats, searching for small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they forage in shallow waters.

Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)

A small, stocky wader with a pale, sandy plumage and black markings around its head. The Kentish Plover is commonly found on beaches and mudflats, feeding on small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings near coastal areas or shallow waters.

Greater Painted Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis)

The Greater Painted Snipe is a striking wader with colorful plumage and a distinctive long bill. It is commonly found in marshy wetlands, foraging for insects, small crustaceans, and seeds.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, especially near wetland areas in Kalametiya.

Common Redshank (Tringa totanus)

A medium-sized wader with bright red legs, the Common Redshank is commonly found in Kalametiya’s mudflats, where it feeds on small fish and invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they forage along the water's edge.

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)

A medium-sized wader with long legs and brown plumage, the Wood Sandpiper is often found in Kalametiya’s wetlands, feeding on small invertebrates in the shallows.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, particularly in muddy or shallow areas.

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)

A small wader with long legs, the Marsh Sandpiper is often seen in shallow waters of Kalametiyaand other wetlands, foraging for small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they forage in the mudflats.

Indian Cuckoo Shrike (Coracina melanoptera)

A medium-sized bird with dark plumage, the Indian Cuckoo Shrike preys on insects and small birds in the forests and woodlands of Sri Lanka.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they are actively hunting.

Ashy Woodswallow (Artamus fuscus)

A stocky bird with ashy gray plumage, the Ashy Woodswallow is known for its aerial acrobatics as it feeds on flying insects.

Best Time to Spot

Midday, when they are hunting for insects in the air.

Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata)

A small, brownish bird with a short tail, the Plain Prinia is commonly found in Kalametiya’s grasslands and low scrub, foraging for insects and seeds.

Best Time to Spot

Early morning and late evening when they are most active.

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)

A small, streaked bird with a distinctive “zitting” call, the Zitting Cisticola is often found in grasslands and scrublands of Kalametiya.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, when they are actively foraging in grasslands.

Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius)

Known for its distinctive nesting behavior, the Common Tailorbird sews leaves together to make its nest. This small bird has greenish back feathers and a long tail.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and evenings, when they are busy feeding and building nests in Kalametiya.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum)

A small, brown warbler with streaked feathers, the Blyth’s Reed Warbler is often seen in wetlands and grasslands. It feeds on insects and spiders, often foraging in reeds.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings, especially in Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary's wetlands.

Sri Lankan Swallow (Hirundo slagei)

An endemic bird to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Swallow has striking blue-black plumage and a long, pointed tail. It can be spotted flying over Kalametiya and other open spaces, feeding on insects in flight.

Best Time to Spot

Early morning and late afternoon.

White-browed Bulbul (Pycnonotus luteolus)

A small, olive-brown bulbul with a white brow. The White-browed Bulbul is common in Sri Lanka’s forests and gardens, feeding on fruits and small insects.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, particularly in forest edges and gardens.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

A migratory bird with long, forked tail feathers and a blue body. Barn Swallows are often seen flying in open areas, feeding on insects while in flight.

Best Time to Spot

Early morning and late afternoon when they are most active hunting for insects.

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)

A highly adaptable bird, the Common Myna has brown plumage with yellow patches around its eyes and can be seen in urban and rural areas across Sri Lanka.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, often near human settlements and gardens.

Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus)

A small bird with greenish plumage and a distinctive white ring around its eye. The Oriental White-eye is often seen in small flocks in Kalametiya, feeding on nectar and small insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings when they are most active in trees and shrubs.

Jerdon’s Leafbird (Chloropsis jerdoni)

A bright green and yellow bird, Jerdon’s Leafbird is found in Sri Lanka’s dense forests, feeding on fruits and insects. This vibrant species is endemic to Sri Lanka and can often be spotted in the treetops.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings when they are active in forest canopies.

Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus)

A slender, brown bird often found in open fields and grasslands, the Paddyfield Pipit has a distinctive upright posture and forages for small insects and seeds.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, particularly in open fields and grasslands near Kalametiya.

Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)

A small songbird with dark plumage and a red patch on its vent. The Red-vented Bulbul is common in gardens, feeding on fruits, small insects, and seeds.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, especially near gardens or forest edges in Sri Lanka.

Dark-fronted Babbler (Rhopocichla atriceps)

A small, dark-colored babbler with a black head and throat. It forages through dense vegetation in search of insects, often seen in groups moving through Sri Lanka’s forests.

Best Time to Spot

During the day, especially in thick, wooded areas of Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary.

Yellow-billed Babbler (Turdoides affinis)

A small, active bird known for its distinctive yellow bill. The Yellow-billed Babbler is highly social, often found in small groups foraging for insects and small fruits in the undergrowth.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late afternoons, when they are most active in Kalametiya's dense shrubbery.

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

A medium-sized bird with iridescent feathers and a bright yellow beak during breeding season, the Common Starling is highly social and often found in large flocks.

Best Time to Spot

Early morning or late evening when flocks are foraging and preparing to roost.

Indian Robin (Copsychus fulicatus)

A small bird with striking black and white plumage. The Indian Robin is commonly seen hopping along the ground or perched on low shrubs in Kalametiya.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, particularly in gardens or agricultural areas.

Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica)

A small, brownish bird with a pale belly, the Asian Brown Flycatcher can be found in Sri Lanka’sgardens and forests. It preys on insects and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings, when they are hunting insects around trees.

Loten’s Sunbird (Cinnyris lotenius)

The male Loten’s Sunbird has iridescent purple and green plumage. It feeds primarily on nectar from flowers and is often seen flitting among flowers in Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or afternoons in flowering trees.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

The House Sparrow is a common bird found in urban and rural areas throughout Sri Lanka. It has a distinctive brown and gray plumage and is often seen in large flocks near human settlements.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, particularly in gardens or near buildings.

White-rumped Munia (Lonchura striata)

A small, social bird with a distinctive white rump and brown plumage. The White-rumped Munia is often seen in flocks foraging for seeds in open fields and Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, as they forage in grassy areas.

Common Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)

A small, stout-billed tern, the Common Gull-billed Tern is typically seen near coastal areas, feeding on small fish and invertebrates. It has a distinctive black cap on its head.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons when they forage in shallow waters.

Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida)

A small tern with a black cap and long, slender wings. The Whiskered Tern is often seen flying over Kalametiya’s lagoons and wetlands, hunting for small fish.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings when they feed over water.

Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena)

A small owl with ear tufts and pale brown plumage, the Indian Scops Owl roosts during the day and hunts for insects at night. It is commonly found in Kalametiya’s dense foliage.

Best Time to Spot

Nighttime, when it is hunting for insects and small prey.

Brown Boobook (Ninox scutulata)

This nocturnal owl, endemic to Sri Lanka, has mottled brown plumage and is well-camouflaged in forested areas. The Brown Boobook hunts small mammals and insects at night.

Best Time to Spot

Nighttime, when it is active and hunting.

Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus)

The Black-winged Kite is a small raptor with a white body and black-tipped wings. Known for its ability to hover in the air, it hunts small mammals, birds, and insects in Kalametiya.

Best Time to Spot

Late afternoons, when it is often seen hovering above fields.

Oriental Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus)

A large bird of prey, the Oriental Honey Buzzard is known for feeding on insects, especially bees. It has a distinctive appearance with a broad, flat bill and long wings.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late afternoons, gliding across the skies.

Shikra (Accipiter badius)

A small, agile hawk, the Shikra is a bird of prey often found hunting in open fields and forest edges. It has a grayish-brown plumage and sharp eyes, making it a skilled hunter.

Best Time to Spot

Midday, as it hunts small birds and insects in open habitats.

Changeable Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus)

This large raptor is often seen soaring high above Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary. The Changeable Hawk Eagle is known for its keen eyesight and ability to hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Best Time to Spot

Midday, when it glides through the sky searching for prey.

Brown-headed Barbet (Megalaima zeylanica)

Another endemic species of Sri Lanka, the Brown-headed Barbet has a striking brown head and green body. It is often heard calling loudly in the forests of Kalametiya.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings when it is calling from the treetops.

Sri Lankan Barbet (Megalaima rubricapilla)

This endemic bird to Sri Lanka has bright green feathers and a red head. The Sri Lankan Barbetcan be found in Kalametiya feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings, when they are most active in trees and shrubs.

Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)

With its large, vibrant red beak and striking blue plumage, the Stork-billed Kingfisher is a majestic bird found near rivers and lakes in Kalametiya. It hunts for fish and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, as they are often seen perched by the water.

Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria)

A large parakeet with vibrant green feathers and a distinctive red shoulder patch. The Alexandrine Parakeet is an agile bird, frequently spotted in Kalametiya feeding on fruits and nuts.

Best Time to Spot

During the day, especially in forest canopies where they feed.

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)

A bright green parakeet with a characteristic rose-colored ring around its neck. The Rose-ringed Parakeet is commonly found in flocks in Kalametiya Bird Park, feeding on seeds, fruits, and nuts.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings or late evenings, often seen in large groups around trees.

Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura)

A colorful and striking bird with vivid green, yellow, and blue plumage. The Indian Pitta is known for its bold hopping behavior, often seen on the ground in Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary. It primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late afternoons, when they are most active in the undergrowth.

Wagtail (Motacilla)

A small, energetic bird with a distinctive wagging tail. It is often seen near water, catching insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and evenings near water.

Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)

A beautiful bird with vivid blue and brown plumage. It is often seen perched along the edge of fields and roads.

Best Time to Spot

Midday.

Rufous-tailed Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

A small, predatory bird with a rufous tail. It can often be found perched on high points, watching for prey.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and evenings.

Large Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)

A migratory bird with a long tail and strong bill, known for its distinctive call.

Best Time to Spot

Winter months.

White Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus)

A medium-sized wader with a long, curved bill. It is often seen foraging in shallow waters for fish and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late afternoons.

Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)

A large, colorful bird with an iridescent tail and a distinctive fan of feathers. The male peacock is especially colorful.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day.

Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)

A medium-sized wader with distinctive red wattles on its face. Known for its loud, “did-he-do-it” call.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late afternoons.

Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

A pale dove with a characteristic black collar around its neck. It’s often seen perched on wires or foraging on the ground.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day.

Grey-headed Fishing Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus)

A large eagle known for its exceptional fishing abilities. It has a pale grey head and a distinctive white belly.

Best Time to Spot

Midday.

Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis)

A common dove with a distinctive spotted neck and soft gray plumage. Often seen in pairs or small flocks.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day.

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

A long-legged wader with striking black and white plumage. It feeds on small fish and invertebrates in shallow water.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late evenings.

Bharminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

A medium-sized raptor with a distinctive chestnut-colored body and white head. It often hunts along the coast.

Best Time to Spot

Midday.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

A large raptor with dark eyes and a white belly, often seen hunting for fish near the water.

Best Time to Spot

Midday, hunting near water.

Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala)

A colorful stork with bright pink and white plumage and a distinctive long bill. It can often be seen feeding in the shallows.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late afternoons.

White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus

A large eagle with a striking white belly and a powerful build. It hunts for fish and small animals.

Best Time to Spot

Midday when it soars over the lagoon.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

A small, colorful bird with a bright blue back and orange belly. It is known for diving into water to catch fish.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings near water bodies.

Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii)

A small heron often seen perched along the water’s edge. Its plumage changes color with the seasons.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, especially near the water.

Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus)

A large wader with a black head and long, down-curved bill. It forages in shallow wetlands for aquatic creatures.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and evenings.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

A small white heron with a slender build and long legs. It hunts fish and small invertebrates in shallow waters.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late evenings.

Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela)

A large eagle with a distinctive crest. Known for its ability to hunt snakes and other reptiles.

Best Time to Spot

Midday when it soars high in the sky.

Lesser Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos javanicus)

A large stork with a bald head and long legs. Often found in wetlands hunting for amphibians and fish.

Best Time to Spot

Morning and late afternoon.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

A large waterbird that dives to catch fish. Known for its long, hooked bill and black feathers.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, especially near water sources.

Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis)

A medium-sized hornbill endemic to Sri Lanka. It has a large, curved bill and black-and-white plumage, with a prominent casque.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late afternoons.

Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope)

A migratory duck with striking plumage. The males have a distinctive chestnut-colored head and a white body.

Best Time to Spot

Winter months (November to March).

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)

A medium-sized heron with long necks and striking reddish-brown plumage. The Purple Heron is often seen in shallow waters hunting for fish.

Best Time to Spot

Winter months (November to March).

Birds

Featured Birds

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)

A medium-sized heron with long necks and striking reddish-brown plumage. The Purple Heron is often seen in shallow waters hunting for fish.

Best Time to Spot

Winter months (November to March).

Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope)

A migratory duck with striking plumage. The males have a distinctive chestnut-colored head and a white body.

Best Time to Spot

Winter months (November to March).

Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis)

A medium-sized hornbill endemic to Sri Lanka. It has a large, curved bill and black-and-white plumage, with a prominent casque.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late afternoons.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

A large waterbird that dives to catch fish. Known for its long, hooked bill and black feathers.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, especially near water sources.

Lesser Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos javanicus)

A large stork with a bald head and long legs. Often found in wetlands hunting for amphibians and fish.

Best Time to Spot

Morning and late afternoon.

Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela)

A large eagle with a distinctive crest. Known for its ability to hunt snakes and other reptiles.

Best Time to Spot

Midday when it soars high in the sky.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

A small white heron with a slender build and long legs. It hunts fish and small invertebrates in shallow waters.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late evenings.

Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus)

A large wader with a black head and long, down-curved bill. It forages in shallow wetlands for aquatic creatures.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and evenings.

Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii)

A small heron often seen perched along the water’s edge. Its plumage changes color with the seasons.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day, especially near the water.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

A small, colorful bird with a bright blue back and orange belly. It is known for diving into water to catch fish.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings near water bodies.

White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus)

A large eagle with a striking white belly and a powerful build. It hunts for fish and small animals.

Best Time to Spot

Midday when it soars over the lagoon.

Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala)

A colorful stork with bright pink and white plumage and a distinctive long bill. It can often be seen feeding in the shallows.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late afternoons.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

A large raptor with dark eyes and a white belly, often seen hunting for fish near the water.

Best Time to Spot

Midday, hunting near water.

Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

A medium-sized raptor with a distinctive chestnut-colored body and white head. It often hunts along the coast.

Best Time to Spot

Midday

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

A long-legged wader with striking black and white plumage. It feeds on small fish and invertebrates in shallow water.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late evenings.

Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis)

A common dove with a distinctive spotted neck and soft gray plumage. Often seen in pairs or small flocks.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day.

Grey-headed Fishing Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus)

A large eagle known for its exceptional fishing abilities. It has a pale grey head and a distinctive white belly.

Best Time to Spot

Midday.

Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

A pale dove with a characteristic black collar around its neck. It’s often seen perched on wires or foraging on the ground.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day.

Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)

A medium-sized wader with distinctive red wattles on its face. Known for its loud, “did-he-do-it” call.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late afternoons.

Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)

A large, colorful bird with an iridescent tail and a distinctive fan of feathers. The male peacock is especially colorful.

Best Time to Spot

Throughout the day.

White Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus)

A medium-sized wader with a long, curved bill. It is often seen foraging in shallow waters for fish and small invertebrates.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and late afternoons.

Large Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)

A migratory bird with a long tail and strong bill, known for its distinctive call.

Best Time to Spot

Winter months.

Rufous-tailed Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

A small, predatory bird with a rufous tail. It can often be found perched on high points, watching for prey.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and evenings.

Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)

A beautiful bird with vivid blue and brown plumage. It is often seen perched along the edge of fields and roads.

Best Time to Spot

Midday.

Wagtail (Motacilla)

A small, energetic bird with a distinctive wagging tail. It is often seen near water, catching insects.

Best Time to Spot

Early mornings and evenings near water.

Book a Tour

Booking your tour is easy! Choose from the available options and get in touch with us to reserve your spot.

Our expert guide, Nuwan Liyanage, will ensure that your experience is enriching and enjoyable. Book your tour today and get ready to explore the wonders of Kalametiya!

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tips

Bird Watching Tips

Early Mornings & Late Evenings:

Bird watching is best during the early morning hours or late evenings when birds are most active. The sanctuary’s birds are particularly active at sunrise, so plan to arrive early for the best sightings.

Stay Quiet and Be Patient:

Birds are sensitive to noise, so maintain a quiet presence. Patience is key to bird watching, as many species tend to stay hidden until they feel safe.

Bring the Right Gear:

A pair of binoculars and a good camera are essential for any bird watcher. Bring along a bird field guide to help you identify the various species. Comfortable walking shoes and a hat will also make your experience more enjoyable.

Follow the Birds’ Habits:

Certain birds have specific habits that can help you spot them. For instance, the Purple Heron often stands still waiting for prey, while the Crested Serpent Eagle soars high in the sky before diving for its catch.

Look for Movement in the Trees:

Birds often stay hidden in the trees or brush, so keep an eye out for any movement in the foliage. Listen closely to the sounds around you—often, the birds will give away their location with their calls.

Respect Wildlife and Nature:

Always maintain a respectful distance from the birds and other wildlife. Avoid disturbing their habitat and refrain from feeding them. Your peaceful presence ensures that the sanctuary remains a safe and thriving environment for all its species.

Best Times for Bird Watching:

Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Birds are most active, and temperatures are cooler.
Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Another peak time when birds are foraging before sundown.